“Birthday Boy” 2 years of age………

“Ben Vorlich & Stuc a’ Chroin” loch earn

 Ben Vorlich (3231ft) & Stac a Chroin (3198ft) to the south of  loch earn can be very popular peaks, although extremely southern both munros offer a challenging climb.Ben Vorlich is a steep climb with huge scree slopes over looking Meall nan Fearna & Beinn Domhnuill as you ascend to the summit. The views from the top can be stunning in good visibility with the lawers range to the north. By crossing the Bealach an Dubh Choirein to Stac a Chroin the northern buttress is a scramble over boulders & loose scree with several paths leading to the summit ridge. 

“Beinn Bhuidhe & Stac a’ Chuirn”

Beinn Bhuidhe (3110ft) to the north of loch fyne lies the most isolated peak in the cowal & arrochar alps range. The munro is accessable from glen shira or via glen fyne, best to leave until clear weather is forecasted for navigation & breathtaking views over loch fyne & loch awe to the nwest.

“Ben Vorlich, Loch Lomond”

Ben Vorlich (3093ft) a munro offering superb views over loch sloy, loch lomond & surrounding mountains. Ben Vane, Ben Narnain & Ben Ime the highest munro at (3316ft) in the Arrochar alps.

“Cobbler”

The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) to use the correct name is just short of a munro but is still one of Scotland’s spectacular mountains due to fabulous views & unusual skyline. This corbett is (2946ft) & in winter conditions can provide some challenging routes to the summit.

“Beinn Narnain, Arrochar”

Last monday the opportunity came up to spend the morning in Arrochar, a place that is surrounded with some fine munros & corbetts. Beinn Narnain a munro I personally enjoy & with heavy winter conditions looked perfect. I usually  start from the Forestry Commission car park

“summit of the ben”

The views  from the summit were picturesque especially to the west, with Ben Arthur (the cobbler) Beinn Ime & Beinn Narnain looking spectacular with heavy snow covered tops. One of the most enjoyable hill walks for sometime.

“Sron Aonaich”

On the way through Rowardennan woods & up as far to Sron Aonaich the conditions were pretty good with light fresh snow & ice. However as I made my approach to the slopes of the ben, the ice formation was treacherous (crampons on). Three young lads had past earlier in a rush but didn’t expect the ben to be so frozen, as I watched the three tackle the ben head on (off the beaten track) I was impressed with the idiotic act.

“ascent of the ben”

The winter weather conditions in Scotland over the last few weeks have been excellent for hill walkers, as I approached Rowardennan Lodge at 08.30am the sky was blue & not a cloud to be seen. I quickly sorted out the gear & off I went wondering what the day would bring.

“Ben Lomond”

 Ben Lomond the southern most munro & standing at (3195ft) (974m) the views from the summit are spectacular. The most popular route is through Rowardennan woods following the path to Sron Aonaich, however there is a more challenging route via ptarmigan.